On the flip side they have won 59.3 per cent (80 from 135) of games with Reynolds on the park over the same period, putting into sharp focus the influence and game management of the 27-year-old.

History says the Rabbitohs score three points less per game and concede three points more whenever Reynolds is absent.

Those numbers effectively give the Panthers, Sea Eagles, Bulldogs and Dragons a converted try head start in their upcoming meetings with Anthony Seibold’s side.

It’s a tough pill to swallow for the rookie coach after the Rabbitohs got off to a less than ideal start to 2018, losing what appeared to be an unlosable season opener in Perth, where the Warriors hadn’t won in their first nine starts.

Camera IconThe Rabbitohs are less than half as good without Adam Reynolds.Picture: FOX SPORTS

The Bunnies at times looked flat and were soundly beaten by a transformed Stephen Kearney-coached side that looked fitter and faster than they’ve been in years.

The Reynolds injury will force Cody Walker to step up to the plate, with the five-eighth admitting to reporters on Tuesday that he would take the role of the primary playmaker.

That’s not necessarily the most natural fit for a player at his best when he’s running the ball, and could set the scene for the shock selection of Robbie Farah as an organising half.

“He’s the chief organiser, the chief playmaker in our side and it’s my turn to step up,” Walker said.

“ ... I think we’ve got a number of options there (to fill in for Reynolds). We’ve got young Connor Tracey, Adam Doueihi and obviously Robbie Farah so they’re more than capable of stepping up and taking that role ... they’re all more than capable of taking it.”

Walker could only recall one occasion when he has played in the halves without Reynolds, when he was paired with John Sutton in a clash with Brisbane.

He said he needed to learn from that experience to give Souths the best chance of bucking their poor history without their chief playmaker.

“It’s just something I need to step up and take with both hands this weekend,” Walker said.

“We didn’t play to the best of our ability last weekend so I’m looking forward to this weekend, getting out to Penrith and putting on a good show.”

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